A facelift without surgery? New treatments... promise a more youthful, vibrant face with little pain and no downtime.

Plasma: For Hands?
What it is: The latest innovation, trade-named Portrait, uses the same gas common in flat-screen TVs. A device sends plasma energy into the dermis while leaving the surface intact. Over time, new epidermis emerges as old skin sheds.

It's quick and relatively painless but pricey. Dr. Alster, the only provider in Washington, says it is her preferred method for areas other than the face, especially hands where lasers can scar.

Best for: Fine lines, deep wrinkles, moderate sagging, and enlarged pores. Safe for all skin types but my produce prolonged discoloration on darker skin.

How long it lasts: Some improvements in tone within a day or two; gradual tightening can continue for a year. Some experts are not impressed with the results, and the procedure has not been in wide use long enough to produce long term studies. The manufacturer says its clinical tests suggest results last several years.

Pain factor: The procedure takes 5 to 30 minutes under topical anesthetic. Lower levels produce mold redness and flaking for a day or two; higher levels will brown the skin and cause peeling for three to five days. Downtime and recovery are quicker than with ablative laser.

Washingtonian - February 2007
No Knives Please